Complex

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /kÉ™mˈplÉ›ks/, /ˈkÉ’m.plÉ›ks/
• US enPR: kÉ™mplÄ•ks; IPA: /kÉ™mˈplÉ›ks/, /ˈkÉ‘mplÉ›ks/

• UK IPA: /ˈkÉ’m.plÉ›ks/
• US enPR: kŏm'plÄ•ks, IPA: /ˈkÉ‘mplÉ›ks/

Origin

From French complexe, from Latin complexus, past participle of complectī ("to entwine, encircle, compass, infold"), from com- ("together") and plectere ("to weave, braid"). See complect.

Adjective

1. Made up of multiple parts; composite; not simple.a complex being; a complex idea
• John LockeIdeas thus made up of several simple ones put together, I call complex; such as beauty, gratitude, a man, an army, the universe.
2. Not simple, easy, or straightforward; complicated.
• WhewellWhen the actual motions of the heavens are calculated in the best possible way, the process is difficult and complex.
3. (mathematics) Of a number, of the form a + bi, where a and b are real numbers and i is a square root of −1.complex function
4. (geometry) A curve, polygon or other figure that crosses or intersects itself.

Synonyms

• (not simple) complicated, detailed, difficult, hard, intricate, involved, tough

Antonyms

• (not simple) basic, easy, simple, straightforward

Derived terms

• complexity
• complexness

Related terms

• complexion
• (mathematics) symplectic

Full definition of complex

Noun

1. A problem.
2. A collection of buildings with a common purpose, such as a university or military base.
3. Assemblage of related things; collection.
• SouthThis parable of the wedding supper comprehends in it the whole complex of all the blessings and privileges exhibited by the gospel.
4. A psychological dislike or fear of a particular thing.
   Jim has a real complex about working for a woman boss.
5. A thunderstorm that forms when two storm fronts collide.
6. (chemistry) A structure consisting of a central atom or molecule weakly connected to surrounding atoms or molecules.
• 2013, Katie L. Burke, In the News, Oxygen levels on Earth skyrocketed 2.4 billion years ago, when cyanobacteria evolved photosynthesis:.... The evolutionary precursor of photosynthesis is still under debate, and a new study sheds light. The critical component of the photosynthetic system is the “water-oxidizing complex”, made up of manganese atoms and a calcium atom.

Derived terms

• military-industrial complex
• Oedipus complex
• vitamin B complex
• protein complex
• chelate complex

Verb

1. (chemistry, intransitive) To form a complex with another substance